KERRANG,
Febr. 15. 2005
1. HOW'S THINGS?
Alex: Things are great! The new album "Symphony of Enchanted
Lands II" is receiving great reviews from all over the
world and fans are writing enthusiastic comments by mail and
in forums. We are just going to drop soon a grand epic new single
and our excitement is on the edge...
2. WHERE ARE YOU AND WHAT CAN YOU
SEE OUT OF THE WINDOW?
Alex: I live in Trieste - Italy, from my window I can see a
great open view of hills and a beautiful sea view, I have the
chance to see great sunsets.
3. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU PUT
IN YOUR MOUTH?
Alex: Proteins shake.
4. WHAT RUMOUR WOULD YOU LIKE TO START ABOUT YOURSELF?
Alex: None.
5. WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WERE A
GIRL FOR THE DAY?
Alex: Reasoning beeing a man I believe is not possible to say
what I would do, I should be a girl for the day and then see.
6. WHAT SINGLE THING WOULD YOU LIKE
TO CHANGE ABOUT YOURSELF?
Alex: Well, I would surely change an aspect of my character
in a way to be less picky and be able to "let the things
go" sometimes..
7.WHAT'S YOUR SEXUAL FANTASY?
Alex: ...That's a private field...
8. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A GIRL
/ BOYFRIEND?
Alex: I like cute girls that make sports and that are confortabile
with their body and them self, and that enjoy sex.
9. WHAT ARE YOU OBSESSED WITH?
Alex: Well, there are hobbies or activities that often turn
into obsessions and in my case I would say cars and state of
the art car sound systems, but I could mention also that making
music and be part of a successful band it's also another kind
of "good" obsession... I'm also obsessed by beaches
... laying in the sun and diving. I love the Summer.
10. WHAT WOULD SURPRISE PEOPLE ABOUT
YOU?
Alex: People is often surprise what a Capricorn can do to reach
his goals, no matter what, in any field.
11. WHO WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE
A DRINK WITH?
Alex: With my brother Manuel, I don't see him since weeks. He's
not only a very talented musician and a big Rhapsody supporter,
but he's a very special and generous person.
12. WHAT WAS THE LAST LIE THAT YOU
TOLD?
Alex: That from my window I can see a beautiful sea view....Unfortunately
that's not true...
13. WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE SWEAR WORD?
Alex: I never swear, I don't need it because I'm lucky enough
to know people who believe in each other totally.
14. WHAT SONG DO YOU WANT PLAYED AT
YOUR FUNERAL?
Alex: A dead body it's a dead body... probably in that moment
I surely won't care... but right now I would say a gentle and
nice music, I don't want people crying, death is part of our
lifes, it must be accepted.
15. HAPPINESS IS...
Alex: Be able to help and entertain people. To help brothers
or strangers, whatever if they needs money, love or just a few
nice words. I also really enjoy playing a concert!
ON MY IPOD:
Pls simply list 15 to 30 of your favourite current tracks /
Band name then track.
(Not in order of preference)
1. BURNING BRIDGES - CRIMSON GLORY
2. IN DARK PLACES - CRIMSON GLORY
3. BLOOD AND GASOLINE - VIRGIN STEELE
4. BURNING HEART - ROCKY IV soundtrack
5. NO EASY WAY OUT - ROCKY IV soundtrack
6. I CAN'T DRIVE 55 - SAMMY HAGAR
7. EAGLES FLY - SAMMY HAGAR
8. LET SALLY DRIVE - SAMMY HAGAR
9. HALFWAY TO HEAVEN - EUROPE
10. MISTERY OF THE HEART - HUGHES/TURNER project
11. ON THE EDGE - HUGHES/TURNER project
12. AIN'T TALKIN' 'BOUT LOVE - VAN HALEN
13. HOT FOR TEACHER - VAN HALEN
14. BEST OF BOTH WORLD - VAN HALEN
15. NATIONS ON FIRE - M.A.R.S Project Driver
16. A VISIT FROM THE DEAD - KING DIAMOND
17. SLEEPLES NIGHTS - KING DIAMOND
18. THUNDERSTEEL - RIOT
19. WARRIORS OF THE WORLD - MANOWAR
20. RISING FORCE - Y. J. MALMSTEEN
21. DREAMER - OZZY OSBOURNE
22. ULTIMATE SIN - OZZY OSBOURNE
23. RAIMBOW EYES - RAIMBOW
24. STONE COLD - RAIMBOW
25. I SURRENDER - RAIMBOW
26. SACRED HEART- DIO
27. HUNGRY FOR HEAVEN - DIO
28. RAIMBOW IN THE DARK - DIO
29. ETERNITY'S END - JOEY TAFOLLA
30. BARBARIANS AT THE GATE - PATRICK RONDAT
THE SONG THAT
CHANGED MY LIFE:
Track Title / Artist Name - then pls offer an explanation as
to why this particular track 'changed your life' - min 50
to a max of 150 words pls.
The Final Countdown - Europe. I always like to say how this
band changed my vision of music. Before that, apart classical
music, I knew only pop/rock artists, but not hard rock
or heavy metal bands. I immediately had to buy the album discovering
that they made other 2 albums previousely...
I passed nights listening those vinyls, this music was giving
me great emotions.
GENERAL INFO:
Any extra background you wish to offer very welcome but this
can be kept short & sweet unless otherwise specified.
1. HOMETOWN?
Alex: TRIESTE - ITALY
2. LIVE NOW?
Alex: TRIESTE - ITALY
3. FAVOURITE ALL TIME BANDS (Pls list 5 -10):
Alex: CRIMSON GLORY
MALMSTEEN
MANOWAR
VIRGIN STEELE
DIO
KING DIAMOND
VAN HALEN
OZZY OSBOURNE
SAMMY HAGAR
EUROPE
4. FAVOURITE ALL TIME ALBUMS (Pls list 5-10):
Alex: TRANSCENDENCE - CRIMSON GLORY
RISING FORCE - Y. J. MALMSTEEN
5150 - VAN HALEN
KINGS OF METAL - MANOWAR
THE MARRIAGE OF HEAVEN AND HELL - VIRGIN STEELE
CONSPIRACY - KING DIAMOND
THE ULTIMATE SIN - OZZY OSBOURNE
THUNDERSTEEL - RIOT
PROJECT DRIVER - M.A.R.S
A KIND OD MAGIC - QUEEN
5. HOBBIES OR INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF
MUSIC (Pls list with a little background):
Alex: BODYBUILDING it's the first thing I do a little after
I wake up. Work out for me it's pure pleasure, only if you try
it you can understand what I mean...
CARS it's another big passion of mine... especially American
cars like Corvette Stingray C3, Mustang Shelby GT 500, Dodge
Charger '69 Chevrolet Bel Air '57 and some more... I'm
looking forward to buy one of them sooner or later..
VACATIONS/TRAVELS.. well, I really love to "escape"
and visit places especially when there's not so much to walk
but enough time to lay in the sun or enjoying beautiful landscapes...
6. THE BEST GIG YOU EVER PLAYED &
WHY (50 - 100 words pls)?
Alex: There is not one in particular, but some best ones. First
of all in San Paulo in 2002, we had 5000 fans for the first
show in Brazil ever and it was a big surprise.. amazing loud
and proud fans!
Then of course Milano 2002, we did gain the trust of our fans
as a true live band and we really enjoyed the loud response
of our Italian brothers. I would say that Paris 2002 was equally
exciting (apart the DB limit) In Korea we had the most crazy
and loud screaming fans on earth!! They screamed their love
and support to Rhapsody during the whole show without to stop!
7. THE WORST GIG YOU EVER PLAYED &
WHY (50 - 100 words pls)?
Alex: Unfortunate day, in Spain, at Rock Machina festival 2001.
We arrived half hour before the show directly from South America
(!!) where we had to stay one day more cause our plane broke..
we arrived tired and exhausted, adding to that, numerous bad
technical problems on stage, it was a true nightmare instead
to be a celebration.
8. DO YOU OWN A CAR / MOTORBIKE /
ANY VEHICLE (IF SO WHICH)?
Alex: I own an Audi but I prefer not to mention the model, but
I can tell I got enough horse power to burn out my tyres even
if it's a 4 wheel drive car...
9. FAVOURITE SPORT?
Alex: None
10. FAVOURITE TEAM IN THAT SPORT?
Alex: None
11. FAVOURITE ALL TIME MOVIES / BOOKS?
Alex: Lord of the Rings, Conan the Barbarian, Alien, Terminator.
Omraam Mikhael Aivanhov books.
12. FAVOURITE DRINK?
Alex: Water.
13. FAVOURITE FOOD?
Alex: Italian Pizza.
14. FAVOURITE CITY?
Alex: My town Trieste.
Pure Metal Magazine (Poland), Febr. 17.
2005
1. Welcome! What’s up in the
Rhapsody team? How do you feel after releasing your album “Symphony…
Part II” which is probably the most liked by the fans
and critics?
Alex: Thanks Mike and to all the Pure Metal Magazine readers!
Things are great! The new album "Symphony of Enchanted
Lands II" is receiving great reviews from all over the
world and fans are writing enthusiastic comments. We are just
going to release soon a grand epic new single and we areall
very excited...
2. I have to admit, that power of
this album has crashed me. What do you think about this record
now? What would you change in this album now?
Alex: There is nothing that I would personally change in this
record and that’s a great feeling, believe me! I love
it totally!! I don’t have words anymore to describe it,
when you listen to it You can understand why…
3. Who was the “father”
of lyrics and concept on SOEL2?
Alex: As you may know Luca is the writer and responsabile for
the Rhapsody lyrics and saga. Together Luca and me we do compose
and plan all regarding the music, all the artistic decisions
related to the albums and the music production as well.
4. “Symphony Of Enchanted Lands
part2” is a second part of SOEL, but the concept is different.
We can meet a lot of new characters. Do You know what will your
new album look like, are You planning to continue this saga
for next albums?
Alex: We surely are going on with the Dark Secret saga, in the
future we’ll Of course go on to explore this fantastic
and misterious world. I have to say that using the orchestra
and choir and using them like the film soundtrack composers
do and composing the songs in a way to “music“ the
saga it’s the best and only way to give to the listener
the vivid impression to be in the middle of a movie, right there!
I love that!!
5. How would You recommend Your new
album people, who haven’t heard it yet?
Alex: If you are searching a genre of music that combine the
power of the Heavy Metal, the majesty of the most epic soundtracks,
the magic of the classical music and the ancient touch of Baroque
and Rinascimental music, stunning narrations and theatrical
and dramatic performances.. well… you need to get “Symphony
Of Enchanted Lands part2” immediately!!
6. Why have you decided to work with
Christopher Lee known also as Saruman from „Lord Of The
Rings”. Have you been thinking about other actors from
that movie appearing on your newest album?
Alex: We wanted to work with Christopher Lee since we where
thinking to have a new great narrator introducing and narrating
our new saga.There is not another actor that could have done
better what Mr. Lee did, not at all, He’s just unique.
We really love and respect him, he’s giving us an amazing
epic support and lot of devotion to Rhapsody and to all of us
as musicians and persons. We are really lucky to work with him.
I can’t reveal what the future Rhapsody albums will bring…
7. What do you think about ‘speaking’
samples? You used some of them on SOEL2, and in my opinion you
should continue and keep this element in your music.
Alex: If for “speaking samples“ you are referring
to the narrations be sure that we’ll have them also in
the future albums.
8. Why didn’t hit the idea of
recording album basing on „The Lord Of The Rings”?
It seems an actual idea, and I appear that this topic would
fit great to your music. I mean your band is predestined to
perform such fantasy music.
Alex: Thanks for your nice words. The Lord of the Rings saga
it’s a great saga and the movie is our favourite one of
all times. We previousely had the idea to create music and write
about it and we wanted to do it in the right way with all the
permissions needed to make things absolutely clean and legal,
but in the end we got not permission by the Tolkien family that
own the rights. But that’s not important anymore, we are
totally happy with our saga.. We own it and we are free to do
what we want with it artistically wise.
9. What are your favorites track on
your newest album?
Alex: I like all the tracks, is not easy at all to pick up some…
I really like “Nightfall On The Grey Mountains“
“Erian’s Mystical Rhimes“ and “The Magic
Of The Wizard Dream”.
10. What bands are you listening to
every day?
Alex: CRIMSON GLORY, MALMSTEEN, MANOWAR, VIRGIN STEELE, DIO,
KING DIAMOND, VAN HALEN, OZZY OSBOURNE, SAMMY HAGAR, EUROPE,RAIMBOW
and also many soundtracks of course…
11. What can you say about progress
in music played by Rhapsody? I have to admit, that difference
between “Legendary Tales” and new album is incredible,
although ideas, choruses and melodies are still great.
Alex: The progress we had is related to many factors like our
musical taste, our lifes in general, our experiences, but I
believe the most important part of the progress we had is the
VISIONS we had and the aims we always wanted to reach. We dreamed
since the beginning of our career to make an album like “Symphony
of Enchanted Lands II“ but we did not had enough experience
and most important we did not had a very big label as SPV, we
did not had a strong management working to take the band to
a new level and of course the money that is necessary to make
our symphonic dreams come true..
12. When and where have you known
Joey DeMaio? What about your cooperation? Does he like your
music and what is his attitude to your music?
Alex: Neil Jonhson, the director of our videos and the Manowar
videos as well told me that Joey was interested in me for a
music cooperation for a project. Starting from there we decided
to meet and shortly after we found in him and Hinrich Sturken,
his partner, very nice and experienced persons that could became
the Rhapsody managers helping Luca and me to bring the band
to a new level. I have to say that working with Joey especially
it’s great because he’s always loking forward to
do his best as we are use to do. Joey also did produce the C.
Lee narrations in London. He already had the chance to work
with Orson Welles in the past and that was also important for
Mr. Lee because he knew Mr. Welles. Joey got always strong and
positive comments in regards of the Rhapsody music and the approach
we have to compose it and produce it.
13. What can You say about the recording
process? You have met many new people, including Philharmonic
Orchestra form Prague. It was quite an exiting meeting, am I
right?
Alex: Of course was exciting to have a big orchestra, a big
choir, a magic Baroque Ensemble, my brother playing the Baroque
recorder, of Course Mr. C. Lee and many other guests. The whole
recording process took almost 6 months and numerous Studios.
It was very hard but on the way all the most important moments
helped us to go on to reach the final result.
14. Do you schedule something in the
future? I don’t mean your next album or tournee but any
special event. Do you have plans to do something special for
your fans?
Alex: Of course we have to schedule the events of the next future.
In detail for now I can only say that we are going to play two
shows, one in Czech Republic called the “Masters of Rock”
festival on July 16, and one in Germany called the “Earthshaker
fest“ on July 22 or 23. We hope that a lot of Rhapsody
fans will join us up there!!
15. May I hope that you will play
in Poland while your European tour?
Alex: Be sure of that! There is not a schedule for a tour yet
but we are going to play everywhere, I really mean it! We really
need it!! We need to meet you all!!!
16. Do you schedule recording your
very first live album? Many of your fans are thinking about
the songs that would fit to this album, they are thinking day
and night and they are discussing about it with emotions. I
think that 2-CD live and DVD album would be a special gift for
all your fans? What do you think about it?
Alex: Our fans are right! Be sure that all the live activity
that will happen in the next future, comprending the two big
festival I just mentioned before will be recorded in audio and
video. The idea to realize a live DVD it’s in our mind
since long time and we all believe that the time is right to
start shoting and collect live material around the world for
it.
17. How do you remember your past
concert tours? Where do you like to play most? In what country?
Alex: I remember in a very positive way our first headliner
tour in South America in 2001 and the headliners tour in Europe,
Japan and korea in 2002. Finally we had the right space to make
our big shows. We really enjoyed to play everywhere I would
say, of course in countries like Japan it’s really special
to play, but I don’t have preferences, I like to play
for all the Rhapsody fans in the World, no matter what country.
18. What do you think about your past
albums while looking at them in fact of releasing your newest
album. Did not time get old your past music?
Alex: Well of course sound wise you can ear the difference,
but talking about the songs I believe that the first Rhapsody
albums are still strong and actual for who like that kind of
music, infact we are still selling those albums and that’s
a very good sign. I can proudly say that fans that discover
and buy Rhapsody in this days then can get also our back catalog
and enjoy it as they do with our actual products.
19. Do You listen sometimes Rhapsody’s
music at home?
Alex: Yes I do, but usually in my car where the sound pressure
it’s really strong and the quality it’s more adeguate,
as the volume I can put… I usually listen in my car as
reference also during the mix, to have an alternative idea of
the sound we are developing. I surely like to listen and enjoy
Rhapsody music somehow like fans do.
20. What do You think about metal
scene in Italy? Do You like any bands form Your country?
Alex: I don’t really know bands, here in my town we are
really far away from the “metal scene“…and
overall we never had contacts with any band. I like to mention
the band “Eldritch“ because they are a great band.
21. At the end of this interview let
me greet all the band in the name of our Polish fans. Would
you say some last words of this interview? Thanks for the interview.
Alex: I would like to thanks all the Rhapsody Polish fans for
their support to the band. I also would like to express my happines
in knowing that there will be a tour sometimes in the next future,
and that we hope you will meet us, you are all invited!
Thanks Mike!
metall.com (Chile)
Well, let's start
the interview, we already know the EP called "The Dark
Secret" and there's come the album.. what do you search
with this new saga, can you talk about it??
Alex: This is a new day for Rhapsody! The new saga, the lyrics,
the music, the sound, the big orchestra, the big choirs, Christopher
Lee, and many many other great things are the keys to develop
the new Rhapsody style proudly called film score metal. All
that it's bringing a new and a lot more serious approach to
the listener and the viewer...
Do you attempt to make a better work
than your previous and excelent saga? what are the steps to
follow?
Alex: We always do the best we can to top the previous Rhapsody
productions. It was a big effort to conclude this last super
production! The mini album rappresent just a pre-taste of the
album, and the
album it's a little part, the beginning of a big journey the
will be exploited with the albums that will follow in the future.
Can you talk about your new incomming
album "Symphony of Enchanted Lands Part 2 - The Dark Secret"?
Alex: This new saga it's related with
the Emerald sword saga for certain aspects and characters but
spreading much more the narration and the musical possibilities.
It will be a long, emotional, epic and majestic journey.
What's like working with Cristopher
Lee in the creation of your new material?
Alex: It was great of course to have the possibility to work
with such a great actor and man. He did a state of the art interpretation
for his character, his narrations are so emotionally deep and
epic... Nobody could describe and introduce the new Rhapsody
saga better than him!
Is there a posibility to have more
world famous name, like Cristopher Lee, in this new Saga?
Alex: Rhapsody it's the only band in the world that plays film
score metal and the idea to have other big actors could be not
that far, but much depends from what the story needs.
Well, let's get on with Rhapsody,
one big difference with the rest of the bands is that you didn't
have a live album, have you got any ideas to make one in the
future??
Alex: Sure we do, I believe this will happen in the future.
During our next world tour we'll catch all the concerts and
the tour life on camera, but there is nothing planned at the
moment.
Do you want to make an southamerican
tour for the promotion of the new album?
Alex: There are not plans in regards of touring right now, of
course we are looking forward to come back in South America
and of course in Chile. We really enjoyed the time we spent
for the first headliner tour!
It will include Chile?? and if it's
true, is there a posibility to you make three concerts again??
hehehe
Alex: We'll play as much as possible!
What do you think about our audience??
it was a good??
Alex: It was not simply good...It was great!!! I remember epic
heavy metal fans and great support!
Well, thanks a lot and it's a grat
honor to have this interview of your great band, and one last
question, Any message to your fans here in Chile??
Alex: It's an honour for me to have the possibility to communicate
to you and to all Rhapsody fans in Chile and South America!
I hope to meet you all during our next tour!
Stay strong,
Alex Staropoli.
